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If you took out an online payday loan from a company affiliated with AMG Services, you may be getting a check in the mail from the FTC. The $505 million the FTC is returning to consumers makes this the largest refund program the agency has ever administered.

The FTC sued AMG and Scott A. Tucker for deceptive payday lending. When consumers took out loans, AMG said they would charge a one-time finance fee. Instead, AMG made multiple illegal withdrawals from peoples’ bank accounts and charged hidden fees. As a result, people paid far more for the loans than they had agreed to.

In 2016 the FTC won a court case against AMG and Scott Tucker. Then in 2017, a jury convicted Tucker and his attorney of crimes related to the lending scheme. The FTC and Department of Justice are using money obtained in both court actions to give refunds to consumers.

Here are answers to questions about AMG refunds.

Who will get a refund? Checks are being sent to consumers who took out loans between January 2008 and January 2013 from these AMG-related companies: 500FastCash, Advantage Cash Services, Ameriloan, OneClickCash, Star Cash Processing, UnitedCashLoans, and USFastCash.

How many people will get refunds? More than 1.1 million people will get refunds.

How does the FTC know who to send the checks to? The FTC and a refund administrator have used AMG’s business records to identify eligible consumers and calculate their refunds.

I’m eligible for a refund. What do I need to do? If you borrowed from one of the lenders listed above between January 2008 and January 2013, you don’t need to do anything. The checks are being mailed to eligible consumers automatically. There is no application process. If you borrowed from one of those lenders before January 2008, please call 1-866-730-8147.

How can I get more information? Visit the FTC’s AMG refund page or call 1-866-730-8147.

Three tips from the FTC:

  1. If you get a check, deposit or cash it within 60 days.
  2. The FTC never asks people to pay money or give information to cash refund checks. If someone asks you to pay to get a refund from the FTC, it’s a scam.
  3. The FTC has advice if you’re thinking about a payday loan or an online payday loan.
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Amo
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Confused

I did my due diligence also. But it is usually a bank policy to hold checks for high amounts for a set number of days. Mine is also holding check. It is in my account but I can not access. This keeps so.eone from depositeding a fraudlent check and withdrawing that same amount. And stuffing the bank.
Confused
October 08, 2018

In reply to by Amo

Thanks Amo. If the check is legitimate (as many say they are) my bank will release hold this week. The hold was actually for the 11 day max that is allowed by FDIC. I was frustrated with my bank for NOT communicating the reason for the hold (not so much that there was a hold). I had this happen before with a legitimate check from the Missouri state lottery. I know they ultimately my banknis protecting itself first then me.
BPB
October 02, 2018
I guess it depends on the amount of the refund but will you have to pay taxes .
FTC Staff
October 19, 2018

In reply to by BPB

The FTC doesn't give tax advice; you could ask the IRS or a tax professional about that. I can tell you that the FTC will not be sending people an IRS 1099 form related to the partial refund.

Shequana Bonner
October 02, 2018
The phone number that's given asks if "you want to hold" and then hangs up. Is there another way to see if my name is on the list? I would need that the refund would be directed to my correct address. I moved twice this year..
TLK
October 02, 2018
I saw on my informed delivery yesterday that my check was due to be in my box but it wasn't there. My last name has changed so I think my mailman didn't put it in. How do I get it redelivered? : /
EmilyGrace
October 02, 2018
I got mine yesterday and my bank refused to deposit it into my account because they said it was fake even after I called the federal trade commission and was assured it was a real check they told me to have the bank call them which the bank refused to do. So they told me to deposit it through the ATM machine and that way when it comes back they are the only one that I get in trouble. I guess they thought the FTC was lying to me. I just miss switch banks
EmilyGrace
October 03, 2018

In reply to by EmilyGrace

Just wanted to follow up on this post. I deposited my checks through the ATM machine on Monday. They showed up as pending all day Monday, by Tuesday they had posted to my account and where available for withdrawal that day.
Re418
October 02, 2018
Did anyone cash there check and it be legit? Everyone is receiving but not one person has said if it’s legit. You can’t get through on the number listed at the bottom of the letter.
Lynn
October 02, 2018
My sister got a check yesterday. We both did the loans at the same time. How do I find out if I am eligible
Rapturousvoice
October 02, 2018
I got a check in the mail yesterday and almost threw it out. But I did a little investigating, and I’m pretty sure it’s legit. I called US bank, the bank that was on the check, and they said the check is definitely real, and they have received tons of calls about it. I deposited the check on mobile banking, so I’m still waiting to see if it will clear. Crossing my fingers. Also, I have moved many, many times since I used the payday company, and I still received a check.
mzjohns2u19
October 16, 2018
I received mine today for over $3000, just trying to find out if it is legit before I deposit into my account. Can anyone confirm this is a real check and not a fraud?
Mae222
October 02, 2018
So I got my check yesterday. Has anyone already cashed their check and received the funds?
Dennis
October 02, 2018
If you borrowed from more than one of these companies will more than one check be sent?
louella st louis
October 02, 2018
anyone know if this is the only refund we will receive. I got scammed by so much and I used more than one of these companies.
Username
October 02, 2018
$52 check today, was happy at first but then I read through these comments seeing most of you got $500, $800, $1300 checks. Now am sad
Nan
October 02, 2018
Just wondering if all the checks have been mailed out. My husband received his yesterday, but I have also used a couple of the places listed and I did not receive one. Just curious.
jruffin
October 02, 2018
Will there be more than one check sent since mine says initial payment?
FTC Staff
October 04, 2018

In reply to by jruffin

The letter you got from the FTC said your check is a partial refund. “Partial refund” in this case means that the amount of your check is less than the total amount you paid to AMG Services, Inc. when it illegally charged you undisclosed and inflated fees. The FTC has sent out all the money that is available.

Ddc
October 02, 2018
I don't have a bank account where can checks be cashed?
Brenda
October 02, 2018
Are they real or a scam
tnph04
October 02, 2018
Anyone take this to the bank yet? Have you had any problems? Just wanna make sure its the real deal before i deposit this into my account
cynie54
October 02, 2018
i had numerous Payday loans with OneClickCash but I haven't received anything from you. I even went back into my emails from them to verify if I did have Payday loans during this time and I did. My husband's check was made out to his father (my husband and his father are a junior and a Senior and the check went to my father in laws address and thought it was a scam and shredded the check. What should I do about checking if I should be receiving a check and what do we do about my husband's check???
Robin.J
October 02, 2018
I got a check today and it said 1st installment the check was for 273.00
FTC Staff
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Robin.J

The letter you got from the FTC said your check is a partial refund. "Partial refund" in this letter means that the amount of your check is less than the total amount you paid to AMG Services, Inc. when it illegally charged you undisclosed and inflated fees. The FTC has sent out all the money that is available.

maria0923
October 12, 2018

In reply to by FTC Staff

I deposited my check and it is available now-- Whats the chance the check gets returned? Anyone have this issue? Or once it cleared the bank is it good??
wellmade
October 02, 2018
Has anyone actually cashed the check?
Justcurious
October 02, 2018
My letter says the check is a partial refund, will I be receiving another check?
FTC Staff
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Justcurious

The letter you got from the FTC said your check is a partial refund. "Partial refund" in this letter means that the amount of your check is less than the total amount you paid to AMG Services, Inc. when it illegally charged you undisclosed and inflated fees. The FTC has sent out all the money that is available.

Michigan
October 02, 2018
I don't believe this is legit
Heather in MN
October 02, 2018
I tried calling to make sure I am receiving a refund since I did one of these payday loans, when it says Please hold for the next available customer service rep, then it says thank you for calling and hangs up. Is there a way for us to check if a refund was issued without having to call? Thanks
Curious_in_Ohio
October 02, 2018
I received my check yesterday. It's only for $90 - and that's ok cuz I only used one PD loan place - but I need to know how legit this is. If I go to the bank and cash this check, and it turns out to be a fraud, they're going to lock my account. I can't take those kinds of chances. Has anyone tried to cash this and has it gone through ok, or has the check bounced, or determined as fraud? @Bridget Small -FTC - Please be specific - are these checks legit? Yes I got one, yes it explains what it's for - but is it really OK to cash it?
got12
October 02, 2018
I got a check in the mail yesterday and I see on here that several others have to. What I'm wondering is if it's legit and has anyone actually deposited their check or tried to yet?
pandacony8
October 02, 2018
Hello, got mine yesterday and it was for $138. The letter stated why I received it and to cash no later than November 26, 2018 or after that date it could bounce or be charged a bank fee. I'm getting ready to go deposit it now!!!!!!
MBC123
October 02, 2018
Is this Ligit? i received mine 1-2 days ago. Been trying to call the number to see if ligit and have had no luck talking to anyone. have looked at website . Looks right but still not sure. I have been scammed before and want to make sure this is not a scamm. will i be charged from bank after check gets bounced or will money really be mine ? I have used these pay day loans.
need more info
October 02, 2018
Is there only one check they are sending? Like what if you took out several loans out during that time with these companies. Also there should be more wording on these envelopes I almost threw mine away thinking it was just junk mail. Could I have thrown another check out? Im usually really good about opening all the mail, but may have slacked a little here lately.
Mommccracken
October 02, 2018
Received one yesterday, called US Bank to see if the check was real. US bank said it was a legitimate check. Put in my account today with no problems depositing it.
lefty
October 02, 2018
received my check yesterday. 886.04 my bank checking it out see if it's real or not
FeelingBlessed
October 02, 2018
I just got back from US BANK. I too had concerns on the legitimacy of the check. After all who wouldn't after receiving a check in that amount in the mail in a very non-descript envelope! I am happy to confirm that US Bank did acknowledge that the check is valid and that they have been seeing a lot of them. While I did not cash the check at US bank (they would have charged me a fee since I am not a customer) , I have deposited the check into my personal bank account.
Syosset
October 02, 2018
I got mine 10/01/18 and cashed it the following day using check cashing company and they cashed it. I’d rather pay check cashing fee than risk depositing it in my bank. I don’t know if it matters but I feel safe for not exposing my bank account.
royalty
October 05, 2018
Received mine yesterday 10/1/18. My mouth dropped after seeing the amount. I took it to my bank. I explained my situation to a loan officer. The bank placed a hold for a extended period at my and their request to investigate more information. The check was placed in an account t that separate from my other accounts to be safe. This service will cost 20.00 should any problems arise. Keep documentation for your records just in case you needed.
MBC123
October 02, 2018
I received mine Saturday. Has anyone really cashed it ? or checked with bank. I have been on website all looks good but im still sceptical . I have been scammed before and am very doubtful . I have tried calling the number but have had no luck on talking to anyone. Please Advise !
Concerned
October 02, 2018
Is this legit? Has anyone cashed the check
Nana-67
October 02, 2018
Just wondering if all of the checks have been mailed. My husband received one yesterday, but I have also used a couple of these companies and did not receive anything.
OCTOBER
October 02, 2018
What if you used two of the listed companies? Would you be getting one check for both or 2 separate checks?
FTC Staff
October 05, 2018

In reply to by OCTOBER

The FTC tried to combine information about accounts so it could send one check to each person. But sometimes it wasn't clear whether information was about one person or two people. When information was not clear, we did not combine it. For example, we did not combine accounts that had a maiden name and a married name, or accounts that had one name but two addresses. When we saw that, we sent separate checks.

royalty
October 02, 2018
I received my check yesterday and my mouth dropped when I saw the refund amount. I took it to my bank and talked with a loan officer. The check is on an extended hold to investigate at my request and bank and separate from all my other accounts. They have the documents and I do too just in case I need them. If it is not legitimate, I'm covered and 20.00 fee will be worth it. If it's legimate, I'm grateful for the refund. One Main financial and Santander this is a wake up call.
Purple girl
October 02, 2018
I received mine. Has anyone tried to cash or deposit yet?
got12
October 02, 2018
I got a check in the mail yesterday. Is this really legit? Has anyone deposited or cashed their checks yet? Have any problems with the bank accepting it?
MC74
October 02, 2018
I received a check to. Looked up web and everything looks ligit. Is this really a good check? No scams? Has anyone really cashed it and not gotten hit with a scam. I tried calling the number on their 866-730-8147. And have not been able to talk to anyone to verify. Please advise if this is a real check.
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